Opinion | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Editorial: The virus masks the best education possible

A few weeks ago we shared our opinions about mandatory masking in schools. Based on some reactions , you might think we advocated for citizen revolt against both the government and the medical … more

8/26/21

Talking Politics: Gov. McKee's budget comes at a great time for candidate McKee

STORY OF THE WEEK: With the September 13 primary fast approaching, RI Gov. Dan McKee last week unveiled a spending plan that doubles as a way to appeal to a wide swath of Rhode Islanders. Big spend … more

By Ian Donnis | 1/26/22

Troubled Philly trip continues to make waves for McKee

STORY OF THE WEEK: The troubled March trip to Philadelphia by two Rhode Island officials continues to make waves. Following revelations, via ProJo, about a January lunch at the Capital Grill that … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/27/23

What has become of us?

June was pockmarked by events which suggest to me that ethics as a guiding force is in full decline. Locally, we had the pathetic saga of two administrators of Gov. Dan McKee engaging in unchecked … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 6/27/23

Be very careful with Officers’ Bill of Rights

Another legislative session in Rhode Island has come and gone without any action on a perennial issue, reform of the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights. To be sure, some Constables on Patrol (COPS) have … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 8/1/23

Commentary: This place, East Providence, has long been my professional, personal muse

First time I taught a class, it was shortly after mid-century, at the corner of James Street and Taunton Avenue, high up a steep stairway. And it was a French class. I had studied, at Harvard, under … more

By Mike Fink | 2/23/23

Editorial: Good riddance to outdated toll system

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority’s move to fully automated toll collection this week is welcome and long overdue. Starting Feb. 14, the bridge authority will launch a … more

2/12/21

Letter: East Providence owes Crowley debt of gratitude

To the editor: January brings the official end of the contract with Superintendent Emeritus Kathryn Crowley, who has served our city and our school department well for 6 years. I believe all of … more

1/5/23

Editorial: In this case, 'easier to find' is less likely to be found

Legislation before the Rhode Island General Assembly would take a swipe at both newspapers and transparency in government — two things that are intrinsically linked. House Bill 6375 and Senate … more

6/10/21

Letter: Washington Bridge fiasco has me wondering...what next?

Budget money has constantly been allocated to everything else, from digital security labs to soccer stadiums. Meanwhile critical infrastructure, like the 195 bridge, was shoddily inspected and shoddily repaired. Here is the result. more

1/25/24

Poli-ticks: Gosh, I miss the America I grew up with

Normally, this is the column where I have the audacity to suggest New Year resolutions for resident politicians. Instead I have a more urgent resolution for all of us: I want us Americans to go back … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 1/7/22

Letter: Urge your government to allow critical gun safety votes

To the editor: There are currently two pieces of legislation critical to our public safety which are making their way through our Rhode Island legislature. They would: 1) Ban of future sales of … more

4/27/23

Letter: Numbers tell the tale of our foundering economy

In the January 25, 2024 Shorelines Opinion Section, Mr. Clay Commons offers examples to show how well our economy is functioning and requests countering information. He explicitly states … more

2/14/24

The author (second from left) and others caught this 11-foot thresher shark southeast of Newport, within sight of land, back in September. Anglers are seeing obvious changes in the local fishery, with cold-water fish like lobster and winter flounder migrating north, and warm-water bait fish like squid and mackerel moving in, attracting more sharks and tuna than ever before.

Op-Ed: We need climate-ready fisheries now

In Rhode Island, fisheries play a huge role in our economy and our way of life, but lately, we are seeing some concerning trends in our local fisheries. Anglers are experiencing climate impacts on … more

By Greg Vespe | 11/21/22

Letter: Some progress on suicide prevention barriers – but not enough

In 2023, the next phase of suicide prevention barrier legislation is pending before the Senate (S586) and the House (H6002). A lot has happened since this odyssey began to install barriers on the … more

4/27/23

Rhode Island must address PFAS

By Reps. Terri Cortvriend and June Speakman They are in the coating of your nonstick frying pan. The wrapper of your favorite burger. The stain-resistant upholstery of your couch, and even the … more

6/10/22

Witness a shifting of the tectonic plates in R.I. politics

STORY OF THE WEEK: Every now and then, the tectonic plates of Rhode Island politics shift, as campaign season fades and a fresh batch of leaders takes on new roles. We’re seeing that to some … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/22/22

The race for CD1 is beginning to get more combative

STORY OF THE WEEK: With a little more than three weeks until the Sept. 5 primary in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, the race has entered a more combative phase. A case in point was a … more

By Ian Donnis | 8/15/23

Sen. Reed on world conflicts, national politics and the growth of Gina

STORY OF THE WEEK: In 1997, when Jack Reed first joined the U.S. Senate, the Cold War had ended and 9/11 had not yet happened. A quarter-century later, the world is a very different place, with a … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/17/23

Letter: Mind your ethical speedometer, America

Automobile speedometers are not marked STOP or GO; nor are they marked SLOW or FAST. They have gradations — in MPH or KPH — from 0 to 150 or so. We use common sense, road … more

8/15/23

Letter: The U.S. Postal Service needs our support more than ever

President Donald J. Trump doesn’t want to lose his re-election. One of the ways he’s trying to stay in power is to try to impede the U.S. Postal Service in doing its job. According … more

9/3/20

Letters: Internal combustion engines aren’t the problem

To the editor: If Mr. Voutes (“Blown away by gas-powered lawn equipment” letter, May 19) seeks solitude and improved health by the elimination of internal combustion engines (ICE) he's … more

5/24/22

Letter: Pass bill that bans sale of new fur products

To the editor: This is a plea to Rhode Island state senators to take quick action in passing S2646, the bill to ban the sale of new fur products throughout the state. This bill … more

6/10/22

Letter: About Victory Day

To the editor: Victory Day, is celebrated in Rhode Island on the second Wednesday of August. It marks the surrender of Japan, ending World War II. To celebrate termination of humanity’s … more

8/3/23

Letter: Beware the risks of increased wireless radiation

With millions of Americans now working and learning at home, many of us are spending more and more time online. While the internet offers us many opportunities for communication, exploration and … more

4/2/20